Amnesty Australia Launches Campaign Urging Recognition of Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan

Amnesty Australia Launches Campaign Urging Recognition of Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan
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Amnesty International Australia has launched a campaign calling on the Australian government to seek international recognition of gender apartheid and hold the Taliban accountable for violations of Afghan women’s and girls’ rights.

The campaign, titled “16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence and Persecution in Afghanistan”, will run from November 25 to December 10, coinciding with the global campaign against gender-based violence.

Amnesty said that since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have systematically restricted women’s fundamental rights, banning girls from secondary schools and universities, limiting employment opportunities and restricting freedom of movement.

The organisation urged Canberra to use its diplomatic influence to promote legal recognition of gender apartheid and pursue accountability for these violations.

It also highlighted Australia’s two-decade military presence in Afghanistan and its previous support for women’s rights, arguing that the country has a responsibility not to abandon Afghan women following the withdrawal of international forces.

As part of the initiative, Amnesty is encouraging the public to sign an open letter and share Afghan women’s testimonies on social media. The campaign aims to restore international attention to Afghanistan amid growing global crises and declining media coverage.